Why Is Shashi Tharoor Trending in Russia?

June 26, 2025: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, currently visiting Russia, held a series of high-level discussions and public engagements, strengthening India-Russia dialogue on parliamentary and geopolitical matters.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Tharoor shared details of his “excellent and remarkably candid discussion” with Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Federation Council (Upper House). Their wide-ranging conversation touched on topics including Operation Sindoor, regional geopolitics, and strengthening ties between the Indian and Russian Parliaments.

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Tharoor also had a vibrant 90-minute session with around 150 Russian students studying India, as well as Indian students based in Russia. “Their questions ranged from India-Pakistan relations to global neocolonialism and the risk of militarisation of space,” Tharoor noted, highlighting the depth of interest and awareness among young minds. The discussion was recorded by RT.com for a potential future broadcast.

Tharoor expressed surprise and delight at finding fans of his literary work in Moscow, sharing a photo of a Russian reader holding a translated edition of The Five Dollar Smile.

Earlier in the visit, Tharoor met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during the Primakov Readings conference and reconnected with Andrey Denisov, former Russian ambassador to the UN and China, who now serves as First Deputy Chair of the International Affairs Committee of the Federation Council.